What Would You Like to See in the Next “Bowers Series” Book?

Q. David Bowers joined Whitman Publishing as the company’s numismatic director in 2003. This was at the start of a modern renaissance in American numismatic book publishing. Since that time Whitman has published hundreds of new books for the hobby, ranging from 64-page monographs to 900-page encyclopedias, and recently the 1,504-page Mega Red. Many of these books were written by Bowers himself. All of them are influenced by his scholarship and creative direction.

In 2004 Whitman released the first volume in a new collection of coin books. The volume was A Guide Book of Morgan Silver Dollars, and the collection was the “Bowers Series.” Two dozen volumes have been published in the series as of early 2018. They follow a standard format—bound in softcover (except for a few limited editions in hardcover or leather-bound), measuring six by nine inches, printed in full color since 2007, and ranging from 256 to 608 pages. Most volumes focus on a single U.S. coin type. They offer history, retail values in multiple grades, auction data, photographs, buying and selling advice, and other information and guidance for collectors.

The books in the Bowers Series, and their authors, are:

A Guide Book of Morgan Silver Dollars (Q. David Bowers)

A Guide Book of Double Eagle Gold Coins (Q. David Bowers)

A Guide Book of United States Type Coins (Q. David Bowers)

A Guide Book of Modern United States Proof Coin Sets (David W. Lange)

A Guide Book of Shield and Liberty Head Nickels (Q. David Bowers)

A Guide Book of Flying Eagle and Indian Head Cents (Richard Snow)

A Guide Book of Washington Quarters (Q. David Bowers)

A Guide Book of Buffalo and Jefferson Nickels (Q. David Bowers)

A Guide Book of Lincoln Cents (Q. David Bowers)

A Guide Book of United States Commemorative Coins (Q. David Bowers)

A Guide Book of United States Tokens and Medals (Katherine Jaeger)

A Guide Book of Gold Dollars (Q. David Bowers)

A Guide Book of Peace Dollars (Roger W. Burdette)

A Guide Book of the Official Red Book of United States Coins (Frank J. Colletti)

Now, Whitman Publishing is looking for input from the hobby community for the next volume in the Bowers Series. Collectors, investors, dealers, researchers, and other numismatists, whether professional or amateur, beginner or old-timer, are invited to weigh in. “What subject would you like to see covered in volumes 25 and beyond of the Bowers Series?” asks Whitman publisher Dennis Tucker. Hobbyists can share their opinions by emailing dennis.tucker@whitman.com, or by writing to Whitman Publishing, Attn: Bowers Series, 1974 Chandalar Drive, Suite D, Pelham AL 35124.